Suspended frats PiKA, Phi Kap to recolonize Friday

After being absent from the University for several years, the Pi Kappa Alpha and Phi Kappa Sigma fraternities will both return to the University's campus Friday as recolonized organizations. The University suspended PiKA in 1992 for numerous hazing incidents -- including unauthorized pledge trips, covering each other with paint after initiation and meetings held at times forbidden by University regulations. The fraternity had been on probation since 1990 for pledge antics. PiKA President and College junior Dan Goldberg said after all the former brothers graduated, 51 male students came together with the hope of recolonizing. "We've more than accomplished our goals [of fulfilling national requisites]," he said. And PiKA Vice President John Houston added that in addition to maintaining an average GPA over 3.1, the fraternity's brothers and 23-member pledge class represent various campus groups, including several a cappella performance groups and every male athletic team. "We did get a great class," the Wharton junior added. If PiKA abides by national regulations during its pledge period, the fraternity will achieve chapter status May 10. Goldberg added that brothers plan to "maintain the course [they're] on, to establish different precedents and go a different way." Also recolonizing this week is Phi Kappa Sigma, whose national charter was suspended in 1994 due to failure to meet national standards for academics, risk management and community service. "[But] we knew we would be back in about three years," said Chris Campbell, director of chapter services for Phi Kappa Sigma International. Campbell added that Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski and OFSA Assistant Director Tom Carroll have been "extremely helpful [and] more than accommodating" in assisting the recolonization effort. The Phi Kaps plan to return to their house at 3539 Locust Walk after the spring of 1998, although Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters will occupy the building until that time, Campbell said. He added that the colony's rush period has seen "tremendous success" in comparison to Phi Kap chapters at other schools. "Usually when we go in to do a recolonization process, we're happy with about 20 [rushees]," Campbell said. But he estimated that approximately 130 to 150 men participated in at least two of Phi Kap's rush events. And 50 to 60 rushees will receive bids before next Friday, Campbell said, adding that freshmen will comprise approximately 75 percent of the new pledge class. College sophomore Mike Pikiel said he was drawn to the fraternity by "the prospect of being part of something with [Phi Kap's] traditions [and] great alumni base." Campbell added that Phi Kap -- which was the first national fraternity to pass anti-discrimination laws -- attracted "extremely diverse" men. "It's great to see people from all walks of life," he added. The national chapter -- which rented space in the W.E.B. DuBois College House -- has been very helpful in the rush process, Pikiel said, adding that he hopes the national organizers are as involved with the fraternity's ensuing pledge period. Campbell added that parties and events will be "quite heavily" monitored to avoid any violation of national rules.